According to FootballTransfers journalist Jacque Talbot, Everton are targeting a potential Jacob Greaves transfer in the summer window. At the same time, private investment firm 777 have made moves to try and get additional funding in order to try and secure a takeover of the Merseyside club.
However, the Toffees will reportedly face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham United for his signature, which will cost in the region of £15m. The relatively low transfer fee could also attract some of the ‘big six', as we explore why Everton's local rivals Liverpool may be tempted to hijack a potential deal for the Hull City central defender.
Liverpool to hijack Jacob Greaves transfer to Everton?
Greaves has enjoyed an outstanding season with Hull, despite the Tigers just missing out on a playoff place in the Championship on the final day. He won three end of season awards for his performances, and was a standout player in an impressive Hull team.
Indeed, Greaves ranked highest in the squad for average aerial duels won (4.3) per Championship game, more than double his next competitor, and also averaged more clearances (4.3) per match, contributing two goals and a further four assists from centre-back.
His imposing threat in both boxes means it is not a surprise that Everton and West Ham are interested in signing him, given the respective styles of both Sean Dyche and David Moyes, although the latter has been rumoured to potentially be leaving the London Stadium at the end of the season.
One manager who is certainly leaving his post at the end of the campaign is Jurgen Klopp, with current Feyenoord boss Arne Slot the likeliest to replace him in the dugout at Anfield. As such, Liverpool could change the way they approach the transfer market to assist the new manager, or stick to the same model that was largely successful under Klopp.
This included buying players from the Championship and turning them is into stars, with one prime example being the signing of Andy Robertson from Hull. Liverpool have built a strong relationship with them, having also let Fabio Carvalho join them on loan this season.
Thus, it would not be surprising to see the Reds potentially swoop in for Greaves in the summer, which would especially anger the blue half of Merseyside.
